[Updated TUESDAY 24/03/2020]
We hope you are taking care of your mental health as well as your physical health during the lockdown period in the UK right now. Following the recent change in government guidance we have made the difficult decision to close all our groups for the foreseeable future. We are reviewing our procedures and services constantly as the situation changes and are currently setting up alternative options of support, including online support groups and phone support. We will update our website regularly so please keep checking this page for updates.
ONLINE SUPPORT MEETINGS
We are currently setting up online support groups using Zoom. We have already ran a test meeting with our Facilitators and our first online meeting for members will be on Wednesday 25th March. All existing members will be emailed the details.
To ensure members safety and keep the meetings safe and supportive, we’ve updated our Group Rules for an online environment, which are included in the Zoom Guide.
Please click here for our Changes Bristol Zoom Guide for Online Meetings
Once we have ironed out any teething problems we will be publishing a schedule of regular online support meetings which will be open for anyone to access for mental health support.
We look forward to seeing you in a Zoom Meeting Room soon!
If you have any questions you can also ring us on 0117 941 1123 and leave a message – a staff member will get back to you within 24 hours (on weekdays).
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Our priority is the health and mental wellbeing of all of our members and volunteers, so we kindly ask you to follow the Government’s advice to self-isolate for recommended time if you are experiencing even the mildest of symptoms and call 111 for medical guidance.
Just as importantly please take measures to look after your mental health, remember that feeling anxious is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Practising some of these simple steps may help:
- maintain as much of your normal routine as possible within the lockdown period and if you are able, get out in the fresh air for some exercise every day
- maintain regular contact with people (on the phone) who can reassure you and are good for your mental wellbeing
- limit worry or anxiety by reducing the amount of time you (and/or our family) spend watching or listening to media coverage that you find unsettling
- draw on skills you have used in adverse situations in the past that have helped you manage your thoughts and feelings
- if you take prescription medication, ensure you have enough at home to last you for two weeks
- If you are really struggling, please visit the Centre for Mental Health’s website for crisis information: https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/crisis-contacts
Please keep checking our website and social media channels for our latest updates regarding support for your mental wellbeing.